Bad rack and pinion at 42k Miles

So my 2019 Tacoma was making a “clunk” sound and the shop I took it at to diagnose it said the rack and pinion has some play in it, no fluid is leaking or anything but it looks like it’s going to fail, my truck has only 42k miles on it does anyone know if the third gens have back rack and pinions because I know I’m about to battle Toyota to warranty this since my truck has had some “minor cosmetic” work done on it and talking to the shop who has done everything to my truck stated that the 6 inch lift and 35s on my truck would have no effect on the rack and pinion because the lift Keeps the drivetrain and steering components factory specs but I’m just curious if anyone has had this issue with their third gen

 

100% your mega lift shortened the life of the steering rack.

 

They probably won't warranty. 35s are a lot of tire to be turning. Lots of folks don't realize the load bigger tires put on a vehicle.

 

I’ve had the same 6 inch lift on all my other Tacoma’s and never had any rack issues and this truck has very little mileage on it so it seems more of a default on the rack assisted by my modifications

 

You might be able to get some more rack life by adjusting the rack guide nut.